The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Image via CairoFoodWeek

After months of preparation, Cairo Food Week is back with its second edition. From May 9th to May 16th, prepare for an unforgettable culinary gala as global gastronomic masters touchdown, weaving together extraordinary foodie experiences, captivating talks, inspiring exhibitions, and tantalising screenings that will leave your taste buds tingling with delight. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming Cairo Food Week.

Image via CairoFoodWeek

Throughout the week, expect a vibrant tapestry of 40 events across the city, including private and public dining experiences, engaging talks, captivating exhibitions, and incredible street food walks. This curated event aims to unite international and beloved local chefs to celebrate Egypt’s rich food culture while incorporating innovative twists into the contemporary culinary landscape. Among the visiting chefs this year are culinary legends including Ana Roš (Hiša Franko), Virgilio Martinez (Central), José Avillez (Belcanto), Alvaro Clavijo (El Chato), and Jessica Rosval (Al Gatto Verde), alongside esteemed talents from the MENA region like Mohamad Orfali (Orfali Bros. Bistro), Gregoire Berger (Ossiano), and Himanshu Saini (Trèsind Studio), gracing the event with their tantalising dishes. Representing the forefront of Egyptian culinary artistry are chefs like Mostafa Seif (Khufu’s), Martin Rodriguez (Izakaya), and Mirette Aly (The Lemon Tree), along with powerhouse restaurateurs from Baky Hospitality, Pier88 Group, and Sanctum Hospitality. As a sequel to their grand success in last year’s edition, Chef Massimo Bottura’s Francescana returns to the capital once again, bringing even more culinary tales to share, topped off with contributions from chefs Jessica Rosval and Karime Lopez of Gucci Osteria.

Image via CairoFoodWeek

The anticipated Cairo Food Week will kick off with two spectacular events: The King’s Feast, a culinary tribute to Egyptian history hosted at the Grand Egyptian Museum. The King’s Feast is expected to mark the opening night of the event on May 9th as guests indulge in an experience that feels like pharaonic royalty.  Following the grand opening, 2023’s World’s Best Restaurant’s Chef Virgilio (Central restaurant in Lima, Peru) will present a dining experience with the breathtaking backdrop of the Pyramids and the grounds of the GEM on May 10th. Before the dinner, guests can immerse themselves in a collaborative exhibition showcasing the culinary traditions of Egypt and Peru, as experienced firsthand by Chef Virgilio himself. 

Image via CairoFoodWeek

 As the events unfold, Downtown Cairo will pulsate with culinary energy as the heart of the capital blossoms into a vibrant gastronomic haven, offering round-the-clock delights with live food halls, food walks, and much more.

Cairo Food Week launched in 2023 as a result of a decade of hard work and passion led by Hoda El-Sherif and Sherif Tamim. Their company, Flavor Republic, founded in 2015, influenced the industry’s self-perception and made them the pioneers of food storytelling. Their multimedia storytelling and consultancy work set new standards. With Cairo Food Week, they’re bringing their vision to life, celebrating Egypt’s flavours and stories on a whole new level.